Man Arraigned for Defaming Police Officer on Facebook and WhatsApp
A 39-year-old man, Ganiyu Abiola, was arraigned in Ibadan on Tuesday for allegedly defaming the character of a police officer, Inspector Folasade Adeoye, through posts on Facebook and WhatsApp. Abiola, whose address was not provided, faces two charges: defamation and breach of peace, but he pleaded not guilty before the Iyaganku Chief Magistrates’ Court.
According to the prosecutor, Inspector Sikiru Opaleye, the defendant falsely accused Adeoye of aiding a fraudulent activity in a post made on May 12 at 6:00 p.m. in the Egbeda area of Ibadan. Opaleye stated that Abiola knowingly spread false information, leading to a public disturbance.
The charges violate Sections 249 (d) and 375 of the Criminal Law of Oyo State, which carry potential jail terms of one year for defamation and one month for breach of peace.
Chief Magistrate Olabisi Ogunkanmi granted Abiola bail in the sum of N500,000, with two sureties required. One surety must be a member of a human rights association, and the other must provide proof of three years’ tax payment. The case was adjourned until Nov. 19 for further mention.
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